What Does Mobile and Digital Marketing Have to Do With Childhood Obesity?

A wide-ranging body of research shows marketing to young people has a direct influence on the foods and beverages they consume.

Food and beverage companies have advertised to children and teenagers via print and television outlets for years, but the media landscape has changed. These companies now are engaging young people in the digital world and doing so in a highly engaging and effective manner.

The foods and beverages advertised to young people are often high in calories and low in nutritional value and the marketing influences what children consume.

The federal government has designed voluntary principles for companies to follow when marketing to young people, but has not yet finalized them.

This Health Policy Snapshot, published online in June 2012, examines the effects of digital marketing on youth, especially Hispanic and African-Americans.